The CWS Blog

I Read, I Write and the Feeling is Awesome

Jeniffer Sindiri | April 27, 2013

Jeniffer Sindiri and her classmates in a CWS adult literacy program.

Photo: CWS

There is much to be said for the liberating power of education, which begins with simply learning to read and write. This is a story Jeniffer Sindiri shared with us after she enrolled in a CWS adult literacy course in East Africa.

I enrolled in a literacy class in 2008, after attending a life-changing meeting that was convened by CWS. At my age, I was a little apprehensive as I thought school was only good for little children. But on meeting Magdalene Wamwea, one of Kenya’s pioneers in adult literacy, and on seeing the countless benefits I stood to gain, one thing was sure: I wanted to go to school. I wanted to learn to read and write.

I knew this wasn’t going to be easy with my husband especially because I had young children and a family to take care of not to mention the large herd of animals that was under my watch. Even with this, the new spirit in me kept nudging on. I eventually enrolled in adult class after long periods of negotiation. I would wake up before 5 a.m. every day to milk the cows and attend to family chores before joining adult class in the afternoon. Learning was fun. Everything has been a wonderful experience.

Adult learning has enabled me to interact with fellow women in the neighborhood in ways I had never imagined. Beyond reading and writing I have acquired useful business skills. Last year I asked my husband if I could join him in his retail shop and he accepted. I have gained more respect from him.

One year later, and the feeling has been awesome. My husband and I are among the successful business people in this area. This has earned me the position of secretary for Kanani Women’s Group. I didn’t know that in me lay such huge potential. Next year I plan to enroll for the advanced micro-enterprise training in Naivasha.

Comments:

Submitted by jkanfd on May 25, 12:31 AM CDT

i d't see aneything for helping refugees becuse i see sam pople howe leving refuges's for 21 yres and world like people for jennifer sey onley can be refugee 5 yres onley that is rong help refugee for humanatirian

Submitted by Beth Gaffett Tengwall on May 04, 11:49 AM CDT

How can I best support CWS adult literacy?
Beth Gaffett Tengwall
bethgaffetttengwall@gmail.com

Submitted by caleb Muyala on May 02, 3:17 AM CDT

encouraging story

Submitted by Kathryn Roy on Apr 30, 11:04 PM CDT

Thanks to CWS for helping Jennifer to tap into her potential, and also for creating that same opportunity in the USA as CROP organizers discover the potential they have to change the world for people like Jennifer!